Body-worn article carrier

ABSTRACT

A flexible pouch, such as a plastic bag, twisted, rolled, wound or otherwise formed into either a wearable band or an elongated strand defining a central portion and a pair of opposed ends. In the case of a band, the ends are connected together such that the central portion is oriented in a curved shape, and the article worn about the wrist or other body part as ornamentation. The pouch, when oriented in this manner, substantially conceals the functional attributes thereof, at which time the ends can be detached from each other and the pouch opened, or, in the case of the strand, the strand can be reopened into the pouch. The invention can be produced in quantities, in assorted sizes, patterns and/or colors if desired, and have the attributes of inexpensive decorative jewelry. Methods for manufacturing and using such articles are also contemplated.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to receptacles used to carry articles, and, more particularly, pertains to flexible pouches that can be worn about the body or other structure as an ornament to conceal their functionality.

People carry receptacles, such as flexible plastic bags, for a variety of reasons. For example, parents need containers to put child related articles in, such as toys, clean or soiled diapers and clothing. Also, people need receptacles to place articles in, such as during or after shopping, cleaning their car, walking a pet, etc. For example, due to the general requirement that pet owners pick up the excrement from their pets, most pet walkers should carry plastic bags with them. However, due to the unsightliness of such bags, many pet walkers do not carry them when they walk their pets.

Numerous article carrying devices have been proposed, from the simple to the elaborate. Products such as shopping and other types of bags pervade the market place. However, they all lack the desirable features of being simple to use and compact while at the same time being reasonably attractive to carry.

Circumstances arise in all aspects of our lives where a carrying device or receptacle is needed. Parents with young children know this especially well. When spur of the moment needs arise, such as to pick up and move children's plaything (crayons, small toys, etc.), carry a soiled diaper, clean up the car, and the like, there is often nothing handy to use. Therefore, there is a need to have carrying receptacles close at hand without having them cause more clutter by having them, or a dispenser for them, laying around before they are needed.

Plastic bags are perhaps the most common article used to meet such spur of the moment needs. Plastic bags are either given away as shopping bags by retail stores or sold in a number of sizes in packets or rolls of a few tens of bags. Wire twist ties are sometimes supplied for closing a bag once full. Such bags are manufactured in varying thicknesses—thicker bags are used for heavy duty applications such as yard and construction waste, or in order to be able to withstand being compacted during recycling processes. In the mid-1990s, trash bags with draw strings for closure were introduced. Some bags have handles which may be tied, or holes through which the neck of the bag can be pulled. Most commonly, the plastic used to make bags is the rather soft and flexible LDPE (low density polyethylene) or, for strength, LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) or HDPE (high density polyethylene) are sometimes used.

Some bags are made of biodegradable polythene film. These will decompose when exposed to air, sun, and moisture or submitted for composting.

Oxo-biodegradable and other degradable plastic bags have certain useful applications when used as rubbish bags. Organic waste can be put into oxo-biodegradable plastic sacks and put straight into the composting plant, unopened, thus reducing smells, disease transmission by insects, and handling hazards. The resulting compost may be used by farmers and growers. Since oxo-biodegradable plastic (unlike the starch-based alternative) releases its carbon slowly, it produces high quality compost. Oxo-biodegradable plastics become peroxidised and embrittled, and behave like natural waste. It is bio-assimilated by the same bacteria and fungi, which transform the degraded plastic products to cell biomass, like lignocellulosic materials. Oxo-biodegradable plastic is designed to fragment by a process which includes both photo-oxidation and thermo-oxidation, so it can degrade in the dark.

There is presently no known flexible article carrier product that can be arranged into a compact but decorative band that can be worn or otherwise placed in a convenient, easily accessible, location.

Therefore, there is a need for a novel article carrier that can be formed into an inexpensive yet attractive band that can be easily carried around and therefore be immediately available and removed for use.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a carrying article and method of manufacture and use thereof which results in having easy access to the carrying article.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a stylish way to carry a flexible pouch regardless of the intended use therefore, where the pouch is formed into a band or other shape that can be worn or carried in a manner such that its actual function is substantially undetectable.

The present invention, in its simplest form, is comprised of a flexible pouch, such as a plastic bag, twisted or wound into an elongated strand defining a central portion and a pair of opposed ends. The ends can be releasably connected together such that the central portion is oriented in a curved shape, and the thus-configured article worn about the wrist or other body part of a person, such as a shopper or pet walker (or a shopping cart, stroller, umbrella, leash, or any other structure), as ornamentation. The functional attribute of the bag, when oriented in this manner, is substantially concealed until it is needed, at which time the ends can be detached from each other and the bag opened. The invention can be produced in quantities, in assorted sizes and colors if desired, and have the attributes of inexpensive decorative jewelry. Methods for manufacturing and using such articles are also contemplated.

Alternatively, the articles may be machine manufactured or otherwise formed having a rectangular or any other uniform or non-uniform cross sectional configuration, so that they do not appear to be pouches at all until opened.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of the invention worn on the wrist of a wearer.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a flexible pouch adapted for use in the invention twisted about itself into a strand.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the invention shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a machine-formed version of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a flexible pouch adapted for use with in connection with the inventions disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

To form the article carrier shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6, a user simply twists a flexible receptacle, such as a biodegradable plastic bag 4, into an elongated strand, having first and second ends 8, 10. Ends 8 and 10 can be connected together, such as by tying a knot 12 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, or by use of any mechanical fastener such as the clip 20 shown in FIG. 4. Any other means for connecting ends 8 and 10 together to form pouch 4 into the circular shape shown in FIGS. 1-4 is contemplated to be within the scope of the invention. Alternatively, the formed article may be arranged into any shape, such as straight, helical, random, etc., and therefore need not be circular as shown. For example, if the strand 4 is to be maintained as a straight member, the ends 8 and 10 will not be connected together. In that event, the strand-shaped article carrier can be connected to the wearer or support structure in any manner. If the strand is formed into a circular band as shown, the ends should be releasably connected together.

In an alternative embodiment, pouch 4 may be rolled or wound up by a machine or other automated means, and may, optionally, have ends 8 and 10 attached to one another in an assembly line-type arrangement, to facilitate the mass production thereof.

In the event of the band configuration, ends 8 and 10 may be connected using an adhesive, for example but not by way of limitation a light, repositionable, adhesive, such as that used to adhere credit cards to backing paper stock as used by credit card distributors, or such as the adhesive used in Post-It® notes made by 3M Corp., or any other structural arrangement, such as a spring-loaded clip (not shown), knot 12, or a connector such as clip 20 for frictionally engaging ends 8 and 10 in slots defined by the connector.

In a still further embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, pouch 4 may be formed into a form-specific shape, such as the bracelet 30 having a rectangular cross-sectional configuration shown in FIG. 5. Bracelet 30 may be formed by rolling or twisting pouch 4 and subsequently heat forming, or otherwise shaping, pouch 4 into a molded shape. Any other means for shaping a flexible pouch into a uniform or non-uniform shape such as that shown in FIG. 5 is within the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is to be appreciated that any pouches used in connection with the invention disclosed herein may be formed into the concealed article disclosed herein by either twisting, rolling, machine-forming, or any other process or manufacturing method that will occur to those of skill in the art after having had the benefit of reading the disclosure herein.

It is also to be understood that the pouches used in connection with the invention disclosed herein may be of the type having handles (as shown in FIG. 6) or of any other type. Such pouches may be of reusable materials as well, such as fabric. Pouches suited for use with this invention may be used for waste materials, collecting and/or storage of articles, or by parents with babies (can put dirty diaper in the pouch), by children playing at the beach (can use the pouch to place objects such as sea shells in the pouch), children coloring and/or playing (can place crayons and other items in the pouch), persons cleaning out their car, etc.

All of the afore-mentioned embodiments may be presented in a variety of attractive materials, colors, patterns, shapes, cross-sectional configurations and sizes.

Items produced in accordance with the principles of this invention may be mass produced and sold in bulk or individually, and/or may be provided in a linked together fashion with perforated strips therebetween. Any manner of supplying the product is deemed to be within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a bag 4 that may be used in connection with the invention disclosed herein. Bag 4 has a body section 24 and extensions 28 and 30, which may be handles, to facilitate tying the bag closed, if desired, after it is used. Once strand 4 is opened into a bag such as that shown in FIG. 6, the item or items to be retained therein are placed in the bag, and the bag may be tied closed. It is also deemed within the scope of the invention to simply tie a knot in the top of the bag without using the extensions 28 and 30, which extensions in some bags are not present.

The flexible pouch used in connection with the invention disclosed herein may be made of any material. In the preferred embodiment, it is made from any of the biodegradable plastics material disclosed elsewhere herein. It is to be appreciated that the pouch may be of any shape, some of which do not define formal “corners.” In such a case, diagonally opposite edges of the pouch, which are nevertheless referred to herein as corners, are grasped during the twisting step. Pouches for use with the invention may be rectangular, round, triangular, octangular, or any other shape.

Various methods of manufacture and use of articles (i.e. pouches formed into strands, bands, etc.) are within the scope of the invention as well. For example, a method of arranging a stylish article carrier is contemplated, comprising:

providing a flexible pouch capable of carrying one or more articles to be placed within the pouch, the pouch having at least two opposing corners;

grasping the opposing corners of the pouch;

twisting the pouch into a tight strand by rotating one corner of the pouch relative to the other, the strand ending on one side in a first end and on a second side in a second end;

releasably attaching the ends together to form a substantially circular shaped band;

placing the band on one's wrist or other support structure;

upon the occurrence of a need to place an article into the pouch, removing the band from the wrist or other support structure, disconnecting the ends, unraveling the band so that the pouch can be opened, and placing the article in the pouch.

Another method of arranging and carrying a stylish article carrier comprises:

providing a flexible pouch for carrying articles to be placed within the pouch;

rolling the pouch into a tight strand, the strand ending on one side in a first end and ending on a second side in a second end;

releasably attaching the first and second ends together to form a substantially circular shaped band that can be opened back up into the pouch on demand.

A still further method of arranging and carrying a stylish article carrier comprises:

providing a flexible pouch for carrying articles to be placed within the pouch;

forming the pouch into a wearable band that can be opened back up into the pouch on demand.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments of the present invention. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause or result in such benefits, advantages, or solutions to become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued. 

What is claimed:
 1. An aesthetically pleasing article carrying device, comprising: a flexible pouch formed into a strand having at least two loose ends, said ends being releasably connected together to form a substantially circular band that can be opened back up into the pouch on demand.
 2. The aesthetically pleasing article carrying device of claim 1, wherein the loose ends are releasably connected together by an adhesive.
 3. The aesthetically pleasing article carrying device of claim 2, wherein the adhesive is a repositionable adhesive.
 4. The aesthetically pleasing article carrying device of claim 1, wherein the loose ends are releasably connected together by a spring loaded clip.
 5. The aesthetically pleasing article carrying device of claim 1, wherein the loose ends comprise a first loose end and a second loose end, said first and second loose ends being releasably connected together by a connector, said connector defining a first slot and a second slot, the first loose end being releasably engageable by the first slot, the second loose end being releasably engageable by the second slot.
 6. A method of arranging and carrying a stylish article carrier, comprising: providing a flexible pouch for carrying articles, the pouch having first and second opposed corners; grasping the opposed corners; twisting the pouch into a strand by rotating one corner relative to the other corner, the strand ending on one side in a first end and on a second side in a second end, the strand being openable into a pouch on demand; releasably attaching the ends together to form a substantially circular shaped band; placing the band on one's wrist or other support structure; upon the occurrence of a need to pick up an article, removing the band from the wrist or other support structure, disconnecting the ends, unraveling the band so that the pouch can be opened, and placing the article in the pouch.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of releasably attaching the ends together includes applying an adhesive to the first end and contacting said second end with the adhesive.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the adhesive is a repositionable adhesive.
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of releasably attaching the ends together includes releasably connecting the first and second ends together using a spring loaded clip.
 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of releasably attaching the ends together includes releasably connecting the first and second ends together using a connector, said connector defining a first slot and a second slot, the first ends being releasably engageable by the first slot, the second end being releasably engageable by the second slot.
 11. A method of arranging and carrying a stylish article carrier, comprising: providing a flexible pouch for carrying articles, the pouch having first and second opposed corners; grasping the opposed corners; twisting the pouch into a strand, the strand being openable into the pouch on demand, by rotating one corner relative to the other corner, the strand ending on one side in a first end and on a second side in a second end; releasably attaching the ends together to form a substantially circular shaped band.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of releasably attaching the ends together includes applying an adhesive to at least one of the ends and contacting the other end with the adhesive.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the adhesive is a repositionable adhesive.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of releasably attaching the ends together includes releasably connecting the first and second ends together using a spring loaded clip.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of releasably attaching the ends together includes releasably connecting the first and second ends together using a connector, said connector defining a first slot and a second slot, the first end being releasably engageable by the first slot, the second end being releasably engageable by the second slot.
 16. A method of arranging and carrying a stylish article carrier, comprising: providing a flexible pouch for carrying articles; rolling the pouch into a tight strand, the strand ending on one side in a first end and ending on a second side in a second end; releasably attaching the first and second ends together to form a substantially circular shaped band that can be opened back up into the pouch on demand; placing the band on one's wrist or other support structure; upon the occurrence of a need to pick up an article, removing the band from the wrist or other support structure, unraveling the band so that the pouch can be opened, and placing the article in the pouch.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of releasably attaching the ends together includes applying an adhesive to at least one of the ends and contacting said second end with the adhesive.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the adhesive is a repositionable adhesive.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of releasably attaching the ends together includes releasably connecting the first and second ends together using a spring loaded clip.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of releasably attaching the ends together includes releasably connecting the first and second ends together using a connector, said connector defining a first slot and a second slot, the first end being releasably engageable by the first slot, the second end being releasably engageable by the second slot.
 21. A method of arranging and carrying a stylish article carrier, comprising: providing a flexible pouch for carrying articles; rolling the pouch into a strand, the strand ending on one side in a first end and ending on a second side in a second end; releasably attaching the ends together to form a substantially circular shaped band that can be opened back up into the pouch on demand.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of releasably attaching the ends together includes applying an adhesive to at least one of the ends and contacting said second end with the adhesive.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the adhesive is a repositionable adhesive.
 24. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of releasably attaching the ends together includes releasably connecting the first and second ends together using a spring loaded clip.
 25. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of releasably attaching the ends together includes releasably connecting the first and second ends together using a connector, said connector defining a first slot and a second slot, the first end being releasably engageable by the first slot, the second end being releasably engageable by the second slot.
 26. A method of arranging and carrying a stylish article carrier, comprising: providing a flexible pouch for carrying articles; forming the pouch into a wearable band that can be opened back up into the pouch on demand.
 27. An aesthetically pleasing article carrying device, comprising: a flexible pouch formed into a substantially circular band that can be opened back up into the pouch on demand. 